Harvest Festivals

Harvest festivals originated in medieval times to celebrate the end of harvest season. After bringing in the year’s crops, entire villages kicked up their heels in what became a tradition passed down through the centuries. Modern harvest festivals maintain an agricultural theme with an abundance of pumpkins and cornstalks, and the festivities now serve as a kickoff to the upcoming Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Some Orange County celebrations:

Fullerton

* Arborfest

Hayrides, children’s crafts, horticultural displays, butter-making and apple-pressing demonstrations. The Ugly Bug Fair features Dr. Sue’s Traveling Insect and Arthropod Zoo.

Where: Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associated Road

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today

Admission: $5 adults, free for arboretum members and children 17 and younger

Information: (714) 278-3579

Santa Ana

* Harvest Celebration

Art projects, face painting. South Coast Storytellers Guild members will present fables and folk tales.

Where: Bowers Kidseum, 1802 N. Main St.

When: 11:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through October

Admission: $8 for children 13 and older, $6 students and seniors, $4 ages 5 to 12, free for children younger than 5

Information: Call (714) 480-1520 or access the museum web site at https://www.ocartsnet.org/bowers

Anaheim

* Harvest Festival

The county’s largest fall crafts and food event with more than 300 artisans and specialty food booths. Mimes, marionettes, music, handmade holiday decorations, Christmas gifts.

Where: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave.

Parking: $7 at convention center. Free parking at Anaheim Stadium with free shuttle service to convention center

When: Noon-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m-6 p.m. Sunday

Admission: $7.50 for adults, $6.50 seniors, $4 children 6-12

Information: (714) 765-8950. For directions and entertainment schedule, access the festival web site at https://www.harvestfestival.com

Irvine

* Harvest Celebration

Games, prizes, candy, food, entertainment.

Where: Pacific Church of Irvine, 15 Orangetree Lane

When: 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Information: (949) 552-6774

Lake Forest

* Autumn Harvest Festival

Tour a collection of historic buildings, including the Serrano Adobe, El Toro Grammar School, St. George’s Episcopal Mission and the Bennett Ranch House. Haunted house, carnival games, prizes, storytellers, trick or treating, food vendors. A costume parade will be held at 6 p.m. for children 6 and younger and at 6:45 for children 7-12.

Where: Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road

When: 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday

Admission: $2 for adults and children older than 12, $1 for children younger than 12

Information: (949) 768-0981 or (949) 855-2028